ASUSF Senate Voter Guide

John Azevedo
Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Neuroscience; Theology

Statement: Departments are shutting down, health is being sidelined, admissions are decreasing while transfers are increasing. The reason why: our school identity has shifted away from “cura personalis” (care for the whole person—mind, body, spirit). As your president I promise to take on a mantle of service by first, promoting love and generosity in partnership with student led organizations. Second, to promote mental, physical, and spiritual fitness. Third, to continue improving campus safety until every student feels safe, secure, and welcome to share their authentic selves on and off campus. “Changing the world from here” starts with changing ourselves, this campus, and our city; let’s go USF!
Yours truly,
John K.F. Azevedo
 

Tamara Perera
Major: Chemistry

Statement: I’m running for ASUSF President to build a more transparent, sustainable, and representative campus. Through my roles as Sustainability Specialist, ASUSF Sustainability Representative, Head of the Sustainability Council, and Events Chair of the International Student Association, I’ve already taken action by writing resolutions, leading initiatives, and creating spaces for student voices. Beyond USF, my work with the OAA Foundation in Uganda reflects my commitment to meaningful impact. As a Sri Lankan raised in Hong Kong, I bring a global perspective and deep appreciation for diverse experiences. I will listen, act, and ensure every student is represented especially at this dire time. A vote for me is a vote for change!

Mar Ruiz
Major: Politics
Minors: Public Service & Community Engagement; Public Policy

Statement: Mar is a third-year Politics student, and he has spent the past three years serving in ASUSF Senate and student leadership. Through his experience, he has worked to advocate for student needs, improve communication between students and administration, and help create a stronger campus community.
He is running for President because he wants to be a voice and representative for every student at USF. He believes student government should be accessible, transparent, and focused on making sure all students feel heard, valued, and supported. His goals are to strengthen student representation, expand support for mental health and basic needs, improve campus life and engagement, and ensure ASUSF continues to advocate for the diverse needs of the entire student body.
 

Manuel Camacho
Major: Politics
Minor: Legal Studies

Statement: Hey Dons! I’m your current sophomore class representative and I’m running to represent YOU as your next VPIA! 
In my time in the ASUSF Senate I’ve had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Internal Affairs Committee where I got to gain first hand experience on how to best tackle the different issues and roadblocks that may appear while in this role. I’ve also had the chance to write the upcoming commuter student locker expansion resolution to support our dear commuter student population as I too felt a lack of support.
As VPIA I’ll ensure there is a stronger connection between the Senate and the constituents they represent to ensure that we’re all trying the best in our ability to truly change the world from here. GO DONS!!!

Leanna Leung
Major: Public Health
Minor: Health Studies; Chemistry

Statement: Leanna Leung is a second-year Public Health pre-med student in the 4+1 BSPH/MPH program with Chemistry and Health Studies minors. She is passionate about turning student advocacy into tangible change.
This past year on the ASUSF Senate, Leanna authored and passed a Textbook and Course Material Cost Transparency Resolution, working with university leadership to improve and support equitable access to education. She also launched a student discounts platform to make San Francisco more accessible and engaging for students.
As Vice President of Internal Affairs, Leanna is committed to building a supportive, organized, and collaborative Senate and hopes to support senator development and ensure Senate work is impactful for the student body.

Rayanne Torino
Major: Nursing

Statement: I’m Rayanne Torino, a first-year nursing major and your current Pre-Health Representative on ASUSF Senate. So far, I’ve dedicated myself in successfully extending library hours during finals to hosting a professional development panel with doctors to better guide pre-health students. I work towards identifying student concerns and collaborate with faculty to make those changes happen. As Vice President of Internal Affairs, I’ll focus on ensuring that legal decisions express the needs of any and all constituencies, encouraging collaborative advocacy while maintaining mutual respect, and that every voice from all senators and executives is heard to better serve you! I look forward to continuing to represent and help the entire USF community.

Ayceton Aona
Major: Management; Finance
Minor: Politics

Statement: Aloha! My name is Ayceton Aona, a first-year management and finance student from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. At USF, I’ve been committed to service, advocacy, and the representation of student voices. I serve as the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Representative, promoting my community through policy and cultural visibility, and as a member of the Finance Committee, where I review budgets and help allocate funding to student organizations. If elected Vice President of Finance, I will prioritize transparency, accessibility, and equity to support a vibrant, inclusive campus. I am dedicated to serving the entire student body. AYCE the budget, and AYCE the future!

Elijah Gramajo
Major: Finance

Statement: Hi, my name is Elijah Gramajo and I am a finance student committed to making every dollar work effectively for students. Through my experience working with budgets and financial decision-making, I’ve developed the skills to manage money responsibly and effectively. I’m running for VP of Finance to make funding more transparent, accessible, and impactful for all students. Too often, organizations struggle with confusing processes or unclear decisions. I want to change that by simplifying funding, supporting student orgs, and ensuring every investment benefits the entire USF community. Let’s make your money work for you!

Bethia Hormoz
Major: Sociology
Minor: Investment; Legal Studies

Statement: Hi, my name is Bethia Hormoz, and I currently serve as your University Budget Advisory Committee Student Representative! I work closely with admin, faculty, and staff to advocate for students in conversations about tuition and resource allocation. That experience has taught me of the versatile needs of students at USF. Within the last year, I worked in the Finance, Advocacy, and Marketing Committees to expose myself to the different aspects of ASUSF. Additionally, I deliberated during Budget Weekend on funding for next year. I plan to use this experience to actively listen and understand concerns across campus, whether they relate to funding, accessibility, or student life. My goal is to improve transparency, strengthen communication, and ensure every student feels heard, supported, and represented through thoughtful, student leadership.

Ijlal Imran
Major: Computer Science; Politics

Statement: Hello! My name is Ijlal Imran, and I am running to be your Vice President of Finance because I believe student government finances shouldn’t feel confusing, inaccessible, or out of
reach. I want to make student money work for you!

• Make funding decisions more transparent and easier to understand
• Ensure all student organizations are aware of and can navigate available funding opportunities
• Ensure budgets reflect the actual needs of students
• Bring more accountability and clarity to how student funds are used

Having served on the Finance Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how funding decisions are made. I'm not coming into this role to learn how the system works, I already understand it. I’m running to make it work better for all students and student organizations.

Elena Herrera
Major: Marketing

Statement: Elena Herrera is currently a first year marketing major from Los Angeles, California. She is also the Freshman Class Representative for ASUSF. Elena has always had a passion for marketing fueled through video production, ranging from her Youtube channel to reels posted to the Senate’s Instagram page. Additionally, Elena has used her marketing skills to promote her nail business and now has over 35 clients. She has run a number of different social media accounts for clubs she’s been a part of. Elena holds a deep appreciation for San Francisco as well as USF. As VP of Marketing and Communications, Elena will be committed to making USF as fun, efficient, and inviting as possible. Vote Elena and see the change that lasts!

Camila Martinez
Major: Politics
Minor: General Business; Legal Studies

Statement: Hi Everyone! My name is Camila Martinez, but all my friends call me Cami, and I am running to be your next VP of Marketing and Communications! As a junior at USF, I have had experience with different marketing positions on Eboards, ranging from STEM to cultural clubs on campus. With this role, I want to be able to create informative, engaging content, build stronger partnerships with different student-led organizations, and overall better represent our student body! Our campus is made up of so many different communities, identities, and experiences, and I want to make sure that all are represented in the way we communicate, promote, and share what Senate is doing. So if you want a VP of Marketing and Communications who gets it, then I’m your girl. Vote Camila for leadership you can count on. 

Alejandra Alvarez-Guerra
Major: Psychology
Minor: UX/UI

Statement: My name is Alejandra Alvarez-Guerra and I’m running to be your new ASUSF Senate VP of Advocacy. I’m from San Jose, California and I am currently a Junior. Being a first generation college student in my family is one of my motivations to do well in my academics and to work hard everyday. I understand how important one's education is and how it’s a privilege to advance one's knowledge any way you can. Along with being first gen, I am a proud Mexican and Guatemalan Latina. My culture is a big part of my identity and having that community on campus was very important to me and to others I know. As Vice President of Advocacy, my goal is to uplift every voice on campus and to make sure everyone feels safe and heard. I want to keep bringing different communities together by navigating each situation with a clear communication pathway and empathy. 
 

Kayli Hegwood
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Biology; Latin American Studies

Statement: As your current ASUSF Vice President of Advocacy, I am running to continue the work I started. With two years of experience in the Advocacy Committee, I’ve led senate to allocate $12,300 in Green Initiative Fund grants to student-led sustainability projects, while helping pass 6 resolutions, 3 statements, and 3 referendums. My work focuses on expanding access to menstrual products, improving campus safety, addressing food insecurity through a Flexi donation system, enhancing outdoor spaces for sustainability, and supporting student organizations through catering policy changes. While progress has been made, there is more to accomplish and I am committed to continuing that work. Vote for me to be your 2026-27 VPA!

Amiyah Mackell
Major: Politics
Minor: Investment; Accounting

Statement: I am a first-year student and dedicated member of the Advocacy Committee committed to unity, representation, and action. Growing up in Maryland, I’ve been passionate about activism since attending my first protest in Washington, D.C. in 4th grade. I believe advocacy begins with unity, and I am prepared to represent student perspectives and concerns with integrity and purpose. By promoting collaboration and taking initiative, I aim to create positive, lasting change that benefits our entire community. During my time at USF, I have voted on multiple resolutions, supported Green Initiative Fund grants for student-led organizations, and voice concerns for greater transparency around the cost of food and textbooks, through the advocacy committee.  As Vice President of Advocacy, I am ready to amplify student voices and create meaningful, lasting change at USF. Are you ready for impactful change?

Pardees Darian
Major: Management
Minor: Computer Science

Statement: Hello everyone! My name is Pardees Darian. I am running to be your School of Management Representative!! I am committed to improving communication between students and faculty, advocating for meaningful academic resources, and creating more opportunities for professional growth, networking, and career preparation. Being in San Francisco, a major city, is a huge Management hub. However taking advantage of the city can be difficult some times, not to mention highly competitive. I want to set a comfortable enviroment for the students of USF, where they can lean on us for all types of support, whether it be emotionally and physically. For the students to be aware of all of our resources, for them to prosper in and out of USF. Vote Pardees to not only see change, but feel it!

Ryder Cartago
Major: Communication Studies

Statement: Hi! I’m Ryder Cartago, a freshman Communications major from the Bay Area. I’m running to be your Sophomore Class Representative. I understand how big the transition into sophomore year is, and I want to make it more connected, engaging, and exciting for all of us. I’m someone who listens, values ideas, and ensures every voice is heard. Some ideas I have are a sophomore welcome week, monthly themed events, group chats and networking, anonymous feedback forms, a class instagram, and advising sessions that the grade can attend for ideas and issues. Your ideas matter. I also have prior leadership experience in high school, ready to take that into USF. I’m here to advocate for you and build a stronger community. Let’s make next year our best!

Laia Smith                         
Major: Psychology

Statement: Hi! My name is Laia Smith, I am running to be your ASUSF Queer Student Representative. I believe every student at USF deserves to feel seen and celebrated. As an Afro-Latina lesbian woman, I understand the struggle that queer, especially BIPOC queer students, may face to find spaces that truly reflect our identities, our cultures, and our needs. I want to help build a campus culture where community is visible, accessible and inclusive to all genders and sexualities.My goals are to validate the experiences of queer students and ensure their concerns make their way onto ASUSF’s list of priorities. Secondly, to strengthen ASUSF’s collaboration with the Gender & Sexuality Center to make sure that our work is intentional and responsive to student needs. Lastly, to cultivate a campus culture where queerness is not simply tolerated, but celebrated and a place where students feel empowered to show up as their true selves without fear of judgment or exclusion.

Vi Moreno
Major: Media Studies
Minors: Public Policy; Journalism

Bryce Wilson
Major: Architecture

Serena D'souza
Major: Psychology
Minors: Journalism; Criminal Justice Studies
Statement: Hi, I’m Serena D’souza, a junior from Mumbai and I’m running for ASUSF Senate’s International Student Rep. If you’ve struggled to understand the tax system or Googled “how do office hours work?” then congratulations, you’ve already understood why international student representation matters. My goal is simple: make life easier for international students across campus by acting as a bridge of communication between students and senate. I’m here to streamline communication, and create a space for empowering advocacy. Being away from home can feel isolating, and I’m looking to create initiatives that foster genuine connection. My time spent as Administrative Chair for the International Student Association and as a member of the Global Matters Advisory Council are testament to the fact that this is a familiar ball game for me. I’m looking to build an environment where international students don’t just adapt, but thrive. So if you want someone who advocates with purpose, communicates with clarity and represents with authenticity? Vote Serena for International Student Rep! If it’s confusing? I’m already on it.